We have a rather large concrete patio we put in a few years ago, along with many raised garden beds and other garden areas, a small pond with a waterfall option and tons of plants. My husband sealed the patio shortly after they installed it. However, I would like to know if it is possible to stain the concrete, even though its already been through the sealing process? It would look so much better with all the other work we've done around the yard and would enhance things so much more if it were stained. Is there a way to strip the sealant off and start fresh? I'd really love the look of the stained concrete over the plain and the sealant didn't take properly in the first place. HELP!!!

Once you have sealed the cement surface which has sealed all the pores in the surface of the patio, you cannot re-stain the top again.

You can grind all the surface of the patio with a cement surface grinder and stone. This can be rented at a larger rental store, not often found at the HD stores. This very heavy a fairly large tool will grind the surface of the cement down and remove the sealant you once put on the patio. This tool is oftentimes used prior to placing a new finish on cement as it removes all old paint and stuck on debris.
It is a dusty job, and will take several hours to do, but its the only way to remove the surface sealant you once used a few years back.

Once this has been done you can then stain or paint using an apoxy paint with a grit added to prevent slipping on the surface. Personally I perfer the paint system as it lasts much longer and the finish is much more even in color. Just be sure to do this in the shade of the morning or late afternoon so not to overheat the product going down on the cement.

PFred,
i am interested in how your project turned out? My wife and I are considering the same thing for our driveway and really need to know what our options are to change the color. It's been sealed, but the color is horrible and we want to change.
let me know

Unfortunately, it is STILL on the "honey do" list. I'll post if we ever do get around to. Thanks!